Harvard vs. Trump Administration: The Battle Over International Student Enrollment

What Happened? 

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Trump administration abruptly revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), immediately stripping the university of its legal ability to enroll international students on F-1 and J-1 visas. This action threatened the legal status of more than 6,800 international students at Harvard, who were told they must transfer to another institution or risk losing their right to remain in the United States. The move also placed future international admissions in limbo and froze nearly $3 billion in federal research funding to the university.

Why Did This Happen?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, justified the revocation by claiming Harvard failed to comply with a list of demands issued on April 16, 2025. These demands included:

• Comprehensive records of all international students’ protest activity over the past five years
• Audio and video footage related to any illegal, dangerous, or violent activities by non-immigrant students
• Disciplinary records and documentation of threats or deprivation of rights involving international students

The Trump administration argued that these measures were necessary to “protect national security” and accused Harvard of fostering an unsafe campus environment, promoting antisemitism, and even collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party—a claim Harvard strongly denies. The administration made clear that Harvard could regain its SEVP certification if it complied with all demands within 72 hours.

How Does This Affect Harvard and Its Students?

• Immediate Impact: Harvard cannot enroll new international students or retain current ones on student visas, affecting over 7,000 students (about 27% of its total enrollment).
• Academic Disruption: Countless academic programs, research laboratories, and clinics that rely on international students have been thrown into disarray.
• Student Uncertainty: Current international students face the prospect of transferring to other SEVP-certified institutions or risk losing their legal status in the U.S.
• Financial Consequences: The freeze on federal funding and loss of international tuition revenue threaten Harvard’s finances and global standing.
• Broader Implications: The move is seen as part of a wider campaign by the Trump administration to pressure universities to align with its policies, particularly regarding campus protests and diversity initiatives.

Is This Final?

No. Within hours of the revocation, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in federal court, calling the move “unlawful” and “retaliatory,” and seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) to halt the decision. On Friday, May 23, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted Harvard’s request, issuing a TRO that temporarily blocks the administration’s action while the case proceeds. Hearings are scheduled for late May to determine the next steps.

“With the stroke of a pen, the government has sought to erase a quarter of Harvard’s student body—international students who contribute significantly to the University and its mission.” — Harvard’s legal complaint”

What’s Next?

The legal battle is ongoing. The TRO provides only temporary relief; the court will decide in the coming weeks whether to extend it or allow the administration’s policy to take effect. Meanwhile, international students remain in limbo, and Harvard’s ability to host them hangs in the balance.

The Bigger Picture

This standoff is the latest and most dramatic escalation in a months-long conflict between Harvard and the Trump administration over university autonomy, campus protest, and the role of international students in American higher education. The outcome will have significant implications not just for Harvard, but for international students and academic freedom across the United States.

Stay Informed!

Follow us for real-time updates on this developing story and other important news affecting international students in the U.S. We provide reliable information to help you stay informed, compliant, and prepared for any changes.

Please consider sharing this article with your friends, classmates, and international student communities so that everyone can stay up to date and make informed decisions.

If you have questions about your F-1 visa, OPT, CPT, or any other immigration-related concerns, we are here to help. You can reach me directly at +1 (510) 876-0888 or by email at [email protected]  .

Schedule a free consultation Book now